Parts: 4
Writer: Barbara Clegg
Airdates: 1 March 1983 - 9 March 1983
Production Code: 6H

Doctor: fifth
Companions: Tegan, Turlough

Megalomaniac of the Week: Black Guardian

Story: Heavy loss of power in the TARDIS signals the arrival of the White Guardian, who attempts to get a message through to the Doctor. Unfortunately, the TARDIS cannot bear the strain, and the Doctor comes away from the meeting knowing only that they must beware great danger. The TARDIS co-ordinates have been changed, and soon the ship has materialized. While Tegan waits behind in case the White Guardian attempts to make contact again, the Doctor and Turlough venture outside.

They find themselves in the hold of an Edwardian sailing vessel, circa 1907. In exploring the ship, they find their way to the crew quarters, where the Doctor quickly sets about establishing a rapport with the men. Perplexingly, there are gaps in the sailors' memory - they do not remember how they came to be on board, nor their last port of call - but they do remember being given a week's wages in advance, and that if they win the upcoming race, the captain stands to make a fortune. Tegan, meanwhile, receives a visitation from the White Guardian, who tells her that someone "must not win". He beseeches her to tell the Doctor "winner takes all" but before he can elaborate, parts of the console explode, cutting off his power supply. Tegan spies someone outside and leaves the TARDIS, but is apprehended almost immediately by some of the crew, who suspect her to be a stowaway. Strangely, they are not bothered by this - and even more strangely, the first mate is a very bizarre man who speaks in a gentle, cultured voice and innocently croons to Tegan that he is fascinated by her.

But the ship on which they travel is not what it seems - and nor is the race for a traditional prize. He who wins the race also wins Enlightenment, a priceless treasure that confers ultimate knowledge upon its recipient. The Doctor and his companions find themselves in a mad dash to the finish line...and under siege from Wrack, a ruthless pirate and captain of the Buccaneer, who desires to win Enlightenment at any cost - even the destruction of her opponents.